Stabbing Suspect Charged; Deputy Recovering Well

For Immediate Release…..

February 06, 2026

Stabbing Suspect Charged; Deputy Recovering Well

Sheriff Richard K. Jones reports that the suspect involved in the stabbing of Butler County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Farthing on February 5, 2026, has been released from Atrium Hospital and formally charged.

The suspect, 41-year-old Phillip Brandon Lovely of Madison Township, has been charged with Felonious Assault (F1), Arson (F4), and Attempted Aggravated Murder (F1). Lovely has been booked into the Middletown Jail.

We will update you on Deputy Farthing’s condition when that information becomes available to us.

Sheriff Jones stated:

“I am extremely thankful that Deputy Farthing is recovering well and will be going home. There are not many professions where you wake up and prepare for work knowing you may not come home, and law enforcement is one of them. We are all very grateful that, in this case, Deputy Farthing is going home. I am confident that Phillip Lovely will have his day in court and that justice will be served.”

Additional updates will be provided as appropriate.

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